St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1887-11-06
WINTER SPORTS
An Encouraging Report From the
Park Commissioners Amuse
ment Committees

ment Committee.
The park commission yesterday after
noon transacted its business in bust
ness-like way. The disputed excess on
the Bland contract at Lake Calhoun was
brought up and referred TOD. L. Byrnes,
the boards attorney, and MeSsrS. VIII
son and Lawrence as attorneys. Pay
rolls amounting to $i.137.65 and other
claims were allowed, and an advance of
$500 for the Prospect park observatory
ordered. A preliminary survey fer the
Minnehaha creek boulevard was Or
dered. The committee on designation
of grounds about Powder Horn park, Of
fered for boulevard, reported the mat
ter referred to subcommittee. In re-
gard to the MOulton ten-acre tract in
the Ninth ward the same committee re-
ported that the premises were well
adapted for park purposes, but that the
price asked was eXorbitant. The most
Important business before the board
was the consideration of the following
report of the committee on amusements.
Owing to the absence of Mayor Ames,
who is the leading advocate of winter
carnival at the lakes, no action was
taken:
To the Board Of Park Commissioners: Gen.
tlemen-YOur special committee appointed
to consider and report plan for utilizing
the parks and parkways, or a portion thereof,
during the coming winter in the interest of
the general public, respectfully report that
they have considered the same, keeping in
view the condition of the park board finances
and consequent necessity for economy. If
the board had sufficient available funds we
might report more elaborate scheme, but in
the absence thereof, recommend:
First-That race track be laid out on
Lake Calhoun for the use of all who NAY de-
Snnpd horses thereon bpinp
thrown to the outside SO as to form ridge or
fence for the safety of those without.
SecOnd-That double tracks for spectators
and slow-going vehicles be laid ont on the
outside of the race track, the double tracks
being to. enable parties to go III either direc-
ton without directly meeting one another.
Third-That space be set aside and kept
in order on Lake Calhoun for a large skating
park-c0ntiguous TO bat not interfering with
the tracks mentioned.
Fourth-That parallel toboggnn slide be
i'll like manner provided for, with platforms
at either end, SO arranged as TO necesState
proper exercise, but avoid unnecessary walk,
ing.
Fifth-That cheap structure be provided
as a waiting room, more especially for the
ladies'.
Sixth-That q skating park be also provided
at Central park, and al other parks if found
advisable.
Seventh-That curling grounds be laid ont
for those desiring TO engage in this pleasant
epOits at SuCi pave siS may NC ulOsl
lent.
Eighth - That if practicable coasting
grounds be also provided for the juvenile ell
ement.
Ninth-That your committee be empoT-
cred TO make all necessary arrangements for
the carrying out of the programme above
outlined. including the power to sell refresh
mentS and other privileges toward creating
fund TO pay expenses; also TO receive aid
from any and ali parties willing to assist in
the matter.
Tenth-That the committee on police be re
quested to cooperate with your committee
and empowered TO detail under direction of
the chief of park police such park policemen
as can be proftably employed without
neglecting other parks and parSways.
Eleventh-That the authorities of the sew
eral wards be requested TO keep at least one
direct driveway between the heart of the
city and the several parks, to be utilized as
above. constantly in good condition.
In submitting this report We are pleased
TO state that we have already been assured of
hearty cooperation on the part of the Driy-
ing Park association, street railway company,
etc. and have no doubt but that one win
ter trial will demonstrate the wisdom of so
utilizing our parks. To the end however.
that we may not be dependent on any set of
men ii should be understood that the CONE
mittees have full power to act and may make
such change OF location or otherwise, NOT
inconsistent with the above general plan, as
may be deemed advisable, or to abandon the
whole or any part thereof. Respectfully,
A. A. ANEs,
A. J. BoARDMAN,
w. H. MITCHELL,